If you’ve been down your local store’s laundry detergent aisle recently, chances are that you’ve seen many of the products labeled with “HE.” HE laundry detergent, also known as high-efficiency laundry detergent, is specially formulated to use in high-efficiency washing machines. This detergent creates only a small amount of suds but still provides great cleaning power.
What’s even better is that HE laundry detergent can also be used in top load and front load washers. If you’re looking for a low-sudsing detergent, choosing an HE formula is the best option.
Because HE washers use less water than traditional washers, the detergent is formulated to use in low-water volume with quick-dispersing cleaners. These detergents are also designed to keep dirt and grime suspended so that it doesn’t get re-deposited onto your laundry.
But with so many HE detergents to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your needs? Below you’ll find a list of the 20 best HE detergent options available on the market today. These detergents are made using high quality ingredients that get your clothes clean and smelling great after each wash.
- Loni Labs Bio Detergent
- Tide Plus Ultra Oxi Liquid Detergent
- Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets
- Attitude Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent
- Arm & Hammer Dual HE Clean-Burst Detergent
- Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets
- Zum Laundry Soap
- Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent
- All Detergent with Stainlifters
- Frey Natural Laundry Detergent
- Biokleen Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Clean People Laundry Detergent Pods
- Molly's Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Charlie's Soap Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus OXI
- Rosey Laundry Detergent
- Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods
Keep reading to find the best HE detergent to add as part of your laundry routine.
1. Loni Labs Bio Detergent
For a premium HE-friendly laundry detergent, look no further than Loni Labs Bio Detergent. Featuring a hyper-concentrated formula, this non-toxic and bio-based detergent is made using all natural ingredients that tackle the toughest stains, odors, and dirt. The natural enzymes are not only effective, they're safe for the environment and your entire family, babies and pets included!
Loni Labs Bio Laundry Detergent is vegan, cruelty-free, and is proudly made in the USA using top of the line ingredients.
2. Tide Plus Ultra Oxi Liquid Detergent
Tide Plus Ultra Oxi Liquid Detergent is a trusted name when it comes to fighting stains and brightening clothes. With its advanced Ultra Oxi formula, this detergent tackles tough stains, including food, grease, and wine.
It provides a deep clean and enhances the brightness of your favorite clothes, leaving them looking good as new. Tide Plus Ultra Oxi is compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washers, making it a versatile and effective choice for vibrant, stain-free laundry.
3. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets
Say goodbye to measuring detergent and hello to the convenience of Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco Sheets. These pre-measured sheets are made using plant-based ingredients and dissolve easily in water to release a powerful cleaning formula.
They don’t contain any harsh or potentially dangerous ingredients and are gentle on both your clothes and the environment. Earth Breeze Eco Sheets are lightweight, compact, and come in recyclable packaging, making them a sustainable choice.
4. Attitude Liquid Laundry Detergent
Attitude Liquid Laundry Detergent is a reliable and eco-conscious option for clean laundry after each wash. Made with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, this detergent effectively removes dirt and stains while being gentle on fabrics. It doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, or dyes. It’s even vegan and cruelty-free.
Get clean clothes while being kind to your skin and the environment with Attitude Liquid Laundry Detergent.
5. Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent
Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent is a high-performance and environmentally friendly solution for all of your laundry needs. This bio-based detergent is specially formulated to tackle tough stains and odors, providing a thorough and effective clean. It doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like phosphates or artificial fragrances.
Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent is biodegradable and cruelty-free, offering a sustainable choice that doesn't compromise on cleaning power.
6. Arm & Hammer Dual HE Clean-Burst Detergent
As the name implies, Arm & Hammer Dual HE Clean-Burst Detergent is specially designed to use in high-efficiency washing machines. With a Clean-Burst scent, your clothes will smell fresh and clean after each wash.
This detergent is specially formulated to penetrate deep into fabric fibers, effectively removing stains and dirt. Arm & Hammer Dual HE Clean-Burst Detergent delivers reliable results and long-lasting freshness to your laundry.
7. Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets
Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid detergents. These innovative sheets are made with plant-based ingredients and are 100% biodegradable.
Each sheet contains a highly concentrated formula that effectively cleans and freshens your clothes. Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets don’t contain any toxic chemicals, dyes, or phosphates, making them safe for your family and the environment.
8. Zum Laundry Soap
Zum Laundry Soap is a natural detergent that leaves your clothes smelling fresh. Handcrafted with essential oils and plant-based ingredients, this soap offers a delightful fragrance while effectively getting rid of dirt, stains, and other grime.
It’s gentle on all fabrics and is great for those with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, fragrances, dyes, or sulfates. Zum Laundry Soap is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, providing a chemical-free approach to laundry care.
9. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent is a reliable and environmentally-friendly option for clean and fresh laundry. Made with plant-based ingredients, this detergent effectively removes dirt and stains without damaging even the most delicate fabrics.
Made without synthetic fragrances, dyes, and phosphates, this detergent is safe for sensitive skin, your clothes, and the environment.
10. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent
Give your clothes the best care with Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent. This refreshing and eco-friendly detergent is infused with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils. Together, these compounds remove stains and odors, leaving your clothes looking great.
Free from harsh chemicals, phosphates, and artificial colors, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent is safe for both your clothes, skin, and the environment.
11. All Detergent with Stainlifters
Even the toughest stains and odors are no match for All Detergent with Stainlifters. This powerful detergent features Stainlifters technology that penetrates deep into fabrics, lifting and removing stubborn stains.
This detergent is compatible with all types of washing machines and works well in both cold and hot water. All Detergent provides a fresh and clean result, leaving your clothes looking and smelling their best for many washes to come.
12. Frey Natural Laundry Detergent
Get clean and fresh laundry each time with Frey Natural Laundry Detergent. Crafted with biodegradable and plant-based ingredients, this detergent is gentle on clothes and the environment. It effectively removes dirt and stains, leaving fabrics soft and vibrant.
Infused with a unique, luxurious fragrance, Frey keeps your clothes smelling better for longer.
13. Biokleen Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Biokleen Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent is a gentle and fragrance-free option for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. Formulated with plant-based ingredients, this detergent effectively cleans and removes stains without the use of harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
It’s safe for high-efficiency washers and is biodegradable.
14. Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent
Enjoy fresh smelling clothes that are clean and stain-free by choosing Gain + Aroma Boost Liquid Laundry Detergent. This detergent combines the cleaning power of Gain with a burst of aroma boosters, leaving your laundry smelling delightful after each wash. It gets rid of dirt and stains, even in cold water.
15. Clean People Laundry Detergent Pods
Clean People Laundry Detergent Pods are a convenient and eco-conscious option for your HE washing machine. These compact pods contain a powerful formula that effectively removes stains and leaves your clothes fresh and clean.
They’re made with plant-based ingredients and don’t contain any toxic compounds. With apre-measured design, Clean People Laundry Detergent Pods make laundry hassle-free.
16. Molly's Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent
Molly's Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent is eco-friendly and is formulated with natural ingredients. This means you never have to worry about exposing your skin or your clothes to harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. It delivers powerful cleaning to tackle the toughest stains and odors.
17. Charlie's Soap Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Charlie's Soap Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is an HE-safe and eco-friendly option for clean and green laundry. Made with biodegradable ingredients, it’s gentle on the environment and your clothes, and your skin. This hypoallergenic detergent is made without any harmful ingredients, including dyes, fragrances, or other harsh chemicals.
But don’t let its gentle formula fool you. Charlie's Soap Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent effectively removes stains and odors, leaving your clothes fresh and residue-free.
18. Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus OXI
Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus OXI is a trusted way to tackle tough stains and odors. With the added power of OXI, this detergent provides enhanced stain-fighting capabilities, ensuring your clothes come out clean and fresh after each wash.
The advanced formula works effectively in HE washing machines and in all water temperatures.
19. Rosey Laundry Detergent
Rosey Laundry Detergent is a trusted HE detergent that you can count on to keep your clothes fresh and clean. Infused with a soothing rose scent, it adds a touch of luxury to your laundry routine. This gentle yet powerful detergent is formulated to remove stains and dirt without harming delicate fabrics.
With a concentrated formula, a little goes a long way in cleaning and refreshing your clothes. Rosey Laundry Detergent leaves your laundry smelling wonderful and feeling soft on your skin.
20. Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods
Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods are a convenient and eco-friendly laundry solution. These HE-friendly compact pods are designed to tackle tough stains and eliminate odors, all while being gentle on your clothes.
With a concentrated formula, they deliver powerful cleaning performance in a single pod. Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent Pods don’t contain any unnecessary additives like dyes or phosphates, making them safe for both your clothes and the environment. Simply toss a pod in the washing machine and enjoy fresh, clean laundry every time.
How much HE detergent should I use?
As with almost any product, detergents included, you’ll want to read the label to determine how much HE detergent you should use per load. More isn’t always better. In fact, using too much detergent can negatively impact the product’s cleaning ability.
When using a HE washing machine, for a typical laundry load, you only need about one to two teaspoons of HE detergent. One dose is usually more than enough, but two may be needed if you’re washing a large load or if the clothes are extremely soiled.
If the HE detergent you chose isn’t getting your clothes clean, don’t fall into the common mistake of just added more detergent next time. Using too much detergent traps odor, bacteria, and can cause your clothes to become stiff and irritating on the skin. The better option is to switch to a higher quality detergent.
Can I use HE detergent in a standard washing machine?
Yes! HE detergents work just fine in a standard washing machine. While you won’t see a lot of suds, you can have peace of mind that your clothes are clean and smell fresh. When using HE detergent in a standard washer, be sure that you’re using no more than ¼ cup per load. For smaller loads, use less.
